Putin says Russia will take Donbas by force if it's not ceded by Ukraine
<img src='https://i.cbc.ca/ais/b7083515-84f6-434d-b5f4-402e3b988bf6,1764850442627…; alt='A bald man in a dark suit and tie holds a microphone and speaks while standing.' width='620' height='349' title='Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a ceremony for presenting the "WeAreTogether" International Award at Moscow's World Trade Centre in Moscow, Russia December 3, 2025. Sputnik/Alexander Scherbak/Pool '/><p>President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published on Thursday that Russia would take full control of Ukraine's Donbas region by force unless Ukrainian forces withdraw — something Kyiv has flatly rejected.</p>